Please refer to my previous postings dated 14 July 2010 and 17 July 2010 respectively. (Lily)
Malaysiakini (http://www.malaysiakini.com)
(1) ‘Stop banning non-Muslim societies in schools', 23 July 2010
by Vasugi Supramaniam and Richard Loo Wai Hoong
The Education Ministry has been urged to quickly resolve the ban imposed on the formation of non-Muslim religious societies in national schools once and for all.
"This is not an isolated issue. The matter is getting worse. Schools in Penang as well are facing this problem," MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
He said the situation was made known to him by various religious society representatives who had received complaints on the matter.
The state Education Department was aware of the matter, he said, adding not only Pakatan Rakyat states were affected but also BN-ruled states.
"Why can't the matter be resolved as quickly, as was done at Klang High School?" he asked.
Loh also called for fairer treatment by including non-Muslim associations in the co-curricular activities listed in the co-curriculum management guidelines issued to schools.
"As for now, only Islamic religious societies are listed in the guidelines," he said.
He also called for a stop to conflicting interpretations and decisions that went against the co-curriculum implementation policy.
The issue was brought to light when an English tabloid earlier this month reported the closure of Klang High School's Buddhist, Hindu and Christian associations.
Content of ministry circular 'misunderstood'
Certain quarters have argued that this was a misunderstanding of the circular Bil.20/2000 issued by the Education Ministry in 2000, which said all school societies must be registered with the state education departments.
On July 13, it was reported that Deputy Education Minister Wee Ka Siong claimed that the Klang High School administration had misinterpreted the content of the circular.
The circular stated that non-Muslim religious societies formed before the year 2000 did not have to be dissolved.
However, Loh argued that all societies, regardless of the year in which they were formed, should be given fair and equal treatment.
"This issue is very serious, to the extent that some teachers have been transferred to other schools because they were active in Christian fellowship activities in their schools," said a now retired teacher who had been in the field for about 30 years.
The teacher, who did not want to be named, claimed that no reason was given for the transfers.
"In 1998, I personally received a directive from my former superior to cease all Christian fellowship activities in the school. When I asked for a reason, I wasn't given one," she added.
Also present were Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia vice-president Loh Yit Phing, Subang Jaya Buddhist Association president Chim Siew Choon, MCA Religious Affairs deputy chief Raymond Low and Christian Federation of Malaysia executive secretary Tan Kong Beng.
(2) Interfaith relations - let us set the standard, 23 July 2010
by Churchgoer
My Malaysian heroes include Tok Guru Nik Aziz, Dr Zulkefly Ahmad, Khalid Samad, Zaid Ibrahim, Anwar Ibrahim, and Nizar Jamaluddin even if I am not Malay or Muslim. They have risked unpopularity and losses for their principled stances within their own communities.
If courageous PAS and PKR Muslim-Malays can say racism has no place in Islam, then as a Christian, I can only hope that the Malaysian Christian community does not let their devout Muslim brother and sisters down.
We must find a way to build a better Malaysia for all. If courageous PAS and PKR Malays can back meritocracy, democracy, an independent judiciary, incorruptible police, open tenders, transparent governance and equal opportunity, then as a Christian, I can only hope that we set the highest standards of goodwill and righteous actions in all our dealings towards our devout Muslim brothers and sisters in every way.
As Christians we are enjoined to love everyone, to forgive everyone, even if treated unfairly or even if persecuted, As Christians we are enjoined to protect the weak and powerless, and the widows and orphans, regardless of race or creed.
We are enjoined to try to love with all out hearts, with all our minds, and with all our strength regardless of our circumstances. Let us not succumb to the hate-mongering of Umno, the divide- and -rule of Biro Tata Negara, the scaremongering of Perkasa, the vile demonising and scapegoating of 'Utusan Malaysia'.
If PAS and PKR Malay-Muslim leaders can lead the way in moral courage and moral leadership, then we must at the very least, match them in thought, and word, and deed.
Pakatan Muslims and Malaysian Christians should compete in the best competition of all - who can show the most goodwill, love, and compassion - let us establish a nation whose interfaith interactions and righteousness will set a good standard in the world
Let us not succumb to Umno's teachings whereby ethnic communities are supposed to pride themselves on stepping on others, depriving others, demonising others, scapegoating others, and oppressing others. Let good Muslims and good Christians set a standard that everyone can be proud of.
(End)
